Bethlehem Municipality Measures to Reduce Impact of The Israeli Aggression

Prepared by: Bethlehem Municipality

Bethlehem witnessed the first harbingers of peace. However, decades-long aggression against Palestine has blocked the light of peace to the city. Since 7 October, the war of genocide against Palestinians has put the city face to face with the escalating aggression. The situation has deteriorated due to increasing military raids, ongoing closure of access points to and from Bethlehem, large-scale arrest campaigns, and recurrent abuses of all citizens’ rights. 

Since the fierce war started, the Bethlehem city has been affected by significant economic challenges due to restrictions on the movement of goods, high prices, growing unemployment, and disruption of tourism that flourished in previous years. The tourism sector has incurred millions of dollars in losses, consequently disrupting tourist-dependent trade activity. Some 7,000 workers at tourist facilities, including restaurants, hotels, travel agencies and traditional craft workshops, and tourist guides have become unemployed. Double this number of service providers, including bakeries, greengrocers and butcheries, have been impacted by the downturn in the tourism sector. However, the Bethlehem Municipality maintains its efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure and finalize the maintenance of vital roads to ensure the continued movement of people and goods and create sustainable living conditions for the local community. 

Applied Procedures:

In response to these harsh conditions and in consistence with its commitment to promote citizens’ resilience on their land and realize their right to a decent life, the municipality has taken several emergency measures to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, meet citizens’ needs, and uphold their just cause. Action included the establishment of a crisis management committee to coordinate efforts and provide immediate and effective response to challenges facing the municipality as well as emerging public needs. A key component of municipal response involved support to affected civilians by providing humanitarian assistance and organizing awareness raising campaigns in cooperation with the local community. 

The municipality implemented a set of measures to provide financial facilities and promotional discounts, including discounts of 20% on some municipal fees and 15% on the rent of municipal property in 2024. Payment facilities were provided, allowing monthly instalments. The municipality also communicated with relevant authorities to reduce fees of advertising banners. 

In view of the deteriorating financial crisis, the municipality took action to ensure the continuity of public service provision. To this avail, it adopted a rotation policy to meet needs for qualified human resources, rationalized expenditure and operating expenses, and suspended any additional tasks. These funds have been channelled to priority issues, particularly the maintenance of schools and educational institutions to ensure continued education. 

Mobilizing international support

Internationally, the municipality raised awareness among sister and twin cities about Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip and West Bank. In parallel, it was in touch with diplomatic missions, stressing the need for international intervention to stop the aggression. In a symbolic gesture and expression of solidarity, the municipality hoisted the South African flag on the city hall in appreciation of South Africa’s support to the Palestinian cause. Also, the municipality joined local institutions and national factions in sit-in protests, demanding an end to the war on Gaza. 

Protection of Cultural Heritage:

Protection of cultural religious heritage of the Bethlehem city is an utmost priority. Hence, the municipality continues its relentless efforts to restore and protect archaeological and tourist sites, first and foremost the Church of the Nativity. This does not only aim to protect these historic sites, but also to preserve Bethlehem as a global tourist attraction and contribute to recovering local economy after the aggression comes to an end. 

This integrated approach to addressing the consequences of the Israeli aggression demonstrates the municipality’s dedication to support citizens, preserve the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage, and ensure continued basic service delivery during these trying times. Proactive action and coordinated efforts with local and international partners reflect the municipality’s commitment to protect resilience and dignity of the Bethlehem community and make sure the city is capable of perseverance and recovery from the hardship created by the ongoing occupation.